“As a CCG we are grateful for the excellent work of many individuals and organisations, which have delivered this excellent news.”

The overall rating for cancer is based on four indicators; early diagnosis, 62 day waits for treatment after referral, one year survival and overall patient experience.

The four cancer metrics have been chosen based on the key priorities agreed by the Cancer Transformation Board, led by the National Cancer Director for England.

Dr Angela Wood, strategic lead for Cancer at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are delighted that the CCG has achieved an outstanding rating.

“We continue to work together to improve cancer care and are very pleased to be launching a pilot for vague symptoms to improve early diagnosis of cancer that will be based at the Friarage and the imminent opening of the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre.”

Patient Brian Durlik, 58, said the accolade was fully deserved.

The army officer, who lives near Richmond, underwent both surgical and chemotherapy treatment for bowel cancer at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton 2016.

He said “The care I received at the Friarage was excellent.

“It’s a totally dedicated team and a great hospital. “Regardless of whether they are domestics, healthcare assistants, nurses or doctors, everybody cares and I think they deserve every accolade they can give them.”

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